A WOMAN was left terrified after spotting a man running towards her car with a large machete.

James Keely, 51, appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of the offensive weapon.

The court heard that the woman was within her car on Skirsa Street, in the North of the city, when her attention was drawn to someone running alongside the roadway, in possession of something.

She noticed the man, Keely, running closer to her car and noticed he was carrying a large machete. He appeared to be looking for someone.

The woman contacted police immediately and left the street due to concerns for her safety.

Fiscal depute Kyle Dalziel said: “Officers attended and observed the accused in possession of the large machete.

“It was observed to be in his left hand and when the accused saw police officers he threw the machete to the ground and thereafter made off.

“Officers gave chase and secured the accused, and he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Keely’s lawyer explained that her client had been walking to the shop when he came across a group of youths.

She added: “They spoke to him and produced the item. He made off from them and it was thrown at him. He made the decision to pick it up. He was making his way away from these youths.”

But Sheriff Valerie Mays asked why Keely, of Lambhill, still had the item in his possession when the police turned up “sometime later”.

The defence solicitor replied: “When he took the item, he was in a state of panic and that is why he continued to run. He does full accept responsibility. He realises the fear he must have placed the witness in. He has a considerable record of previous convictions which relate to a history of drug use.

“At the time of the offence, he was living in Glasgow and had lost his employment due to lockdown.

“He has since secured employment in Perth and has moved there. There has been no further offending since the incident. The recommendation is a financial penalty. I appreciate that would be an unusual disposal in a case like this. But given the particular circumstances, I would ask you to consider this.

“He’s working as a chef six days a week.”

The sheriff told Keely: “You do have a record, but you don’t have any previous convictions for any similar type of offence.

“You were seen running in the street carrying a machete. I can’t deal with this by way of financial penalty. I will impose a community payback order.”

Keely was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work within 18 months as a direct alternative to custody.